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Rep. Cook Votes for National Security Funding

Jan 30, 2018

Press Release

WASHINGTON- Rep. Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley) today voted for H.R. 695 which provides our armed forces with the resources they need to protect U.S national security interests here at home and abroad. It passed the house by a margin of 250-166.

Specifically, this legislation takes care of our warfighters and their families by bolstering our troop numbers and providing funding for 1,324,000 active-duty troops and 822,900 Guard and Reserve troops. It also fully funds a 2.4 percent pay raise for the military and ensures that our troops, military families, and retirees receive high quality medical care through the Defense Health Program.

The legislation also modernizes our defense technology needs by providing funding for vital platforms, weapons, and equipment that our military needs to train and conduct successful operations.

This measure is similar to legislation passed twice in the House already during this congressional term. Unfortunately, the Senate has not acted on this critical legislation. Both the previous attempts to fund our military have stalled in the Senate under threat of a Democrat filibuster.

Rep. Cook said, “It’s time to stop playing politics with our national security. The Senate Democrats need to end their obstruction and pass this bill to help maintain the safety and health of our troops and their families. This bill provides a down payment on the process of rebuilding our military after nearly 20 years of war and steep cuts during the prior administration. It’s the first step toward ensuring our troops have the resources they need to keep us safe.”

A member of the House Natural Resources, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts